Abstract
This evaluation research was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the psychiatric
patient care system of Sangkom Hospital in a community of Sangkom district, Udon Thani
province, i.e., whether it could encourage the community participating in providing con-tinuity of care for psychiatric patients, families and communities having knowledge and
a positive attitude and supporting the patients to live within the community, reducing
readmission rates, suicide and referral to higher institutions. A qualitative method was
applied for data collection, including document research, in-depth interviews, small group
meetings and participatory and non-participatory observations. Data were collected between
September 1, 2007 and January 30, 2008.
The study revealed that the psychiatric patient care system in the community was
established with community participation. Changes were noted from the time when there
were no services in the communities, poor drug compliance and no continuity of care, all
of which resulted in readmission, to a time when a community participation psychiatric
patient care system had been established. The development process included increased
community awareness and understanding of the situation and facilitation of all community
sectors to participate in identifying problems and causes of the problems, planning
for appropriate interventions to help psychiatric patients, families and communities in
line with a proactive policy for continuity of care. A community health committee was
established with the financial support of the local administration organization. The committee
organized a training workshop for volunteers to improve their knowledge, attitudes
and skills in caring for and counseling those with special needs. These volunteers
made monthly home visits to support the psychiatric patients and identify new cases.
Capacity-building training for patients and their families was organized. Both patients
and their families were helped and supported in joining community activities. The development
resulted in reducing drug non-compliance; there were no suicides and the number
of patients referred to specialized hospitals was reduced. As a resalt, the volunteers
as well as the community had knowledge and better attitudes towards psychiatric patients.
